AND TO DRINK…

Drinks editor Yvonne Lorkin suggests matches for these dishes.

1. SASHIMI WITH TAMARI AND WASABI DIPPING SAUCE

Immediately run out and secure yourself a bottle of the gorgeous Jules Taylor Marlborough Grüner

Veltliner 2018 ($22) to sip with this super-fresh sashimi. The lift of summer florals on the nose, combined with clean, lemony, peach-packed palate-weight, make this the perfect partner for the heat of the wasabi and the silky texture of the fish. Delish! glengarrywines.co.nz

2. FILLET OF BEEF WITH ANCHOVY AND MUSTARD DRESSING

This classic, Christmas beef fillet with a tangy dressing just screams out for the Sacred Hill Single Vineyard Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2018 ($28). Sourced from their Gimblett Gravels vineyard, it’s a style surging with plum and soft pepper, cocoa powder and dark cherry characters. Brilliant with this beef. sacredhill.com

3. ROAST TURKEY WITH TARRAGON, MUSTARD AND GARLIC BUTTER

While pinot noir has been the trendy wine to sip with roast turkey in recent years, when tarragon, mustard and garlic are at play, I’m all over the chardonnay. However, it’s

Christmas, so treat yourself to the Smith & Sheth Cru Mangatahi Hawke’s Bay

Chardonnay 2015 ($60) It’s ultra-concentrated, bursting with citrus, roast peach, caramelised spices and fresh, tropical complexity. Worth every cent and more, plus it’s outstanding with turkey. smithandsheth.com

4. GINGER, CHILLI AND HERB PRAWNS

Zesty prawns with a chilled glass of the Sunshine Brewery Mexican Lager

330ml ($18.99 x 6pk) – ay caramba! It’s chock-solid with citrus complexity, intense, grapefruit pip bitterness and shedloads of herbaceousness. Perfect with these perky prawns. regionalwines.co.nz

5. ROAST CHICKENS WITH FENNEL SAUSAGE AND PRUNE STUFFING

My number one pick for the ‘far-out that’s fantastic’ flavour combinations in these roast chooks is the Maison Noire Hawke’s Bay

Arneis 2019 ($22). Chockfull of floral intensity, nashi pear, peachy complexity and citrus punchiness, it’s a darn excellent, full-bodied wine that’ll wow the crowds. It’s luscious yet crisp and zesty – packed with personality. maisonnoire.nz